Idrissa Doumbia slams Anderlecht treatment after Zulte loan

Ivory Coast youngster Idrissa Doumbia has spoken out against Belgian giants Anderlecht after they sent him on loan to Zulte Waregem.

Speaking to La Derniere Heure [as per Walfoot], Doumbia has criticised the Brussels heavyweights for keeping him in the dark about their plans for him before eventually sending him on loan for one season earlier this week, with Zulte having the option of extending the deal for another campaign.

The 19-year-old has a contract with Anderlecht that stretches for another four years, but after playing a peripheral role with the Purple & White last season, he's happy with the opportunity to get first-team football.

"I have not received any explanation," Doumbia began, when discussing his departure from Anderlecht. "I received it badly at first.

"They praise you, and then nothing else," he continued. "I played for the U-21s when they told me to, but I never got my opportunity in the first team.

"I've come to think that it's useless to ask myself questions, I think of myself and nothing else. Having not had any success during the summer camp, I've come to realise that I can only count on myself."

The defensive midfielder's move to Waregem may well boost his international prospects as he looks to catch Marc Wilmots' eye and earn promotion to the Ivorian senior side. The former ES Bingerville man has already featured for the Elephants' U-20 side.

"A club in a big league wanted to sign me permanently, but that didn't happen and Zulte Waregem came in," Doumbia added. "I know that many clubs wanted to loan me, but I only wanted to go to Zulte Waregem."

Doumbia acknowledged that it was the work coach Francky Dury did with Soualiho Meite - another Ivorian youngster who earned a move to AS Monaco from LOSCL Lille this summer after spending time on loan with Zulte - that convinced him to sign.

"I saw that the work Francky Dury did with Soualiho Meite. I spoke with him and he told me that he saw me as his successor, that I had the potential and the talent. That did me some good."